InsectNet forum

Hello
I caught this rove beetle on 13.07.2023 in a forest in Cham, Canton Zug, Switzerland.
I took this photo through a microscope.
Does anyone know what species this rove beetle might be?

Hello Reena,

I'm sorry to say that I doubt very much you will get any more information on this rove beetle (here). The family is a huge one and ranks 2nd in overall size (identified species) behind the weevils (Curculionidae) which are THE largest and most diverse family of beetles at currently 65,000 + (identified species). I personally heard that from a weevil specialist in the mid-1990s !

Staphylinids are extremely diverse with many numerous subfamilies, tribes, and only a staphylinid specialist knows how many genera....

Best to get in contact perhaps with someone who is a known specialist in this family and you may get a further identification on it. This looks to be a rather small one and there are literally thousands upon thousands of little ones like this that are picked up in burlese funnels, pitfall traps, and rotting bait traps by those who specialize in these.

You might try contacting a museum that may know where some European specialist may be found.

Good luck

Member of the Aleocharine, which is a very specious group and as a rule one of the toughest to determine to species for the most part . Not much help beyond that. Nice seeing some Coleoptera up!